Global Green Installs Solar Energy System at Rockaway Beach Surf Club

Six months have passed since Hurricane Sandy visited the east coast, leaving communities in New York, New Jersey and other northeast states nearly devastated. In an effort to mark the six-month anniversary of the fierce storm, Global Green, the U.S. arm of Green Cross International has begun its “Solar for Sandy” initiative.

As part of this initiative, the national environmental organization has ventured to revamp the infrastructure of Rockaway Beach Surf Club, a community known for its extensive post-Sandy relief efforts in the Rockaways. The plan is geared toward making the community more capable of withstanding future catastrophes with the help of back up energy systems. After all, the low lying region is particularly vulnerable to the threat of an increasing sea level as well as a storm surge.

Essentially what is going to happen is four to five back up, grid tied solar systems will be placed in the community. The solar panels were donated by SunTech. In addition to facilitating ongoing savings in energy bills, the solar installations will be able to provide the community with back up electricity, a priceless resource for times of emergencies. During these times of emergencies, they will come in handy not just for keeping the lights on and charging mobile phones, but for providing critical services like refrigeration for medicine and basic heating and cooling functions for seniors, children and others.

“The Solar for Sandy systems will also serve as a model for local, state, and federal policymakers and other decision makers as rebuilding continues. We also intend to push for new financial tools to make grid tied, back up solar systems easier to finance and install,” President and CEO of Global Green USA, Matt Petersen noted in a statement.